Rafa Benitez confirms two players not ready to face Brentford

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Rafa Benitez has given his pre-Brentford press conference on Friday lunchtime.

The Newcastle boss has confirmed that both Daryl Murphy and Jesus Gamez won’t be available.

Murphy picked up an injury whilst away with Ireland and isn’t quite ready to play again, whilst Rafa is giving a bit longer for Jesus Gamez to play again following the calf injury that has prevented him playing since August.

Another three players who still have some way further to go before being considered, are Rolando Aarons, Rob Elliot and Massadio Haidara.

Apart from Murphy, Rafa Benitez confirmed there were no new injury worries, although maybe as a hint to what will guide his team selection, he did say that one or two players had arrived back ‘late and tired’ after their internationals.

Accepting but ruing the latest international break, the Newcastle Manager said that NUFC were winning and ‘had momentum’ but ‘you cannot change what is going on’.

Rafa Benitez at his pre-Brentford press conference:

“Brentford play well on the counter attack, defend well and pass the ball. They’re a good team. I don’t see them playing so deep.

“I’m really pleased with the support of the fans, and hopefully they can make the difference for us at home.

“I’m really pleased with Jonjo (Shelvey) – he is doing well. He’s continued to work hard. Nobody has any doubt about his quality.

“I think that we have to concentrate on Brentford. They are a good team, they are doing well and they are scoring goals.

“Before the break, we were winning, we had momentum. But you cannot change what is going on.